Lack of communication, planning turned Boonstock into Drystock

By Meaghan Archer

Boonstock in the Edmonton area in the summer of 2013.

Image Credit: YouTube

July 28, 2014 - 9:12 PM

PENTICTON - It's official: Boonstock will be dry.

The Liquor Control and Licensing Board said today the Boonstock Music and Arts Festival organizers cannot appeal their decision not to issue a liquor licence, leaving the 8,000 or so fans per day to get creative if they want their booze.

The board said organizers failed to provide proof of signed documents for site secuirty, emergency health services, water, or fire control. Monday's release said Boonstock organizers ignored liquor board concerns about inadequate planning expressed throughout several meetings.

"We were hopeful that the advice we provided to organizers during these meetings would have encouraged them to take action earlier to satisfy these concerns, not only for the sake of receiving a liquor licence, but also in order to provide a safe experience for those who plan on attending," said Ray Tetzel, a liquor board spokesperson. "Unfortunately this has not happened and that is why we have rejected Boonstock’s liquor application.”

He said the safety of event-goers would be "threatened if a liquor license is granted."

Over the weekend, Boonstock told Facebook followers it would appeal the decision and vowed the show would go on—alcohol or no alcohol.

"Oh, what a surprise.... another bureaucratic hurdle for Boonstock to jump over.... and we will," the official account posted. "We will keep you posted."

On its Facebook page, show-goers expressed some anger and confusion for both B.C. liquor officials and Boonstock. Organizers are telling anyone with full weekend camping passes they can supply their own alcohol. Non-campers don't have 'in and out' privileges so they can't get booze during the event. Some commenters planned to 'pre-drink.'

Boonstock organizers could not be reached for comment on the decision nor have they provided any further comment on its Facebook page.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior